TONY MATTHEWS and Chelsea FC - Press article September 2012

How many people can say they've paraded the European Cup at Chelsea and been awarded by The Queen? Here's one...

Continuing Chelsea's long-held association with and support for the armed forces, the European Cup was last night paraded at Stamford Bridge by members of the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. I spoke to one of those, life-long Chelsea supporter Tony Matthews: one of only 141 people ever to have been awarded the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal.

He said: “I was collecting for the Poppy Appeal, and it was through that I was asked if I'd like to be involved. I nearly bit their hand off! “As a life-long Chelsea supporter, it was such a proud moment for me. I'll never forget that moment: stood in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge holding the European Cup!

Tony was awarded the QVRM by HM The Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2003, for exemplary meritous services in his duty as Chief Petty Officer on HMS President. He said: “I'm proud to be able to carry on the tradition that links Chelsea with the armed forces as far back as the association with the Chelsea Pensioners.” Tony, 54, has been a match-going Chelsea supporter since the age of nine, and sits in the Matthew Harding End whenever he can get a ticket.

After football, his other great love is music: being a Caister Soul DJ (favourite track: 'Trip To Your Mind' by Hudson People) who plays at the twice yearly Caister Soul Music Weekender at Great Yarmouth.

Tony says: Appearing at Caister one of the greatest honours of my life: up there with collecting my medal from The Queen.”